Bird feeder

Abstract

A tubular bird feeder for seed includes a seed metering valve above the feed holes which may be operated manually, or by a battery powered motor where the battery is charged by a solar cell and the motor responds to a remote control device from the indoors. The perches at the feed holes are made to suddenly buckle when too big of a creature alights thereon. A easy refill procedure uses a swing away cap.

I claim: 
     
       1. A bird feeder comprising:
 a feed tube having a side wall; 
 an upper chamber formed in said seed tube, a lower chamber formed in said seed tube, a wall separating said upper chamber and said lower chamber; 
 an opening in said wall; 
 a movable valve member to open and close said opening; 
 said valve member comprising a top, a plurality of bristles extending downwardly from said top; and 
 at least one end opening in said side wall of said seed tube to provide access to said lower chamber. 
 
     
     
       2. The improvement of  claim 1  wherein said movable valve member is operated by hand. 
     
     
       3. The improvement of  claim 1  wherein said movable valve member is operated by the use of electricity. 
     
     
       4. The improvement of  claim 3  wherein said electricity is provided by a solar cell. 
     
     
       5. The improvement of  claim 3  wherein said electricity is remotely controlled. 
     
     
       6. The bird feeder of  claim 1  further including a shroud for said movable valve member.